It’s been a blow because you want to get as many minutes as possible during pre-season."

Julian Kelly

Julian Kelly has experienced a difficult pre-season, but is now back to full fitness and raring to go.

The full-back spent the trip to Spain putting in extra work with the medical team as he looked to recover from a hamstring injury.

A second half introduction against local rivals Nottingham Forest marked Kelly’s return to action and he cannot wait to get going properly on Saturday, when the Magpies take on Bradford City in Round One of the Capital One Cup.

“I left it for the week whilst we were out in Spain just to make sure that I was right but I’m back now and it feels good,” he told the Official Site.

“Obviously it’s been a blow because you want to get as many minutes as possible during pre-season.

“I feel like I’m back to full fitness and I think that I’m a fit person anyway, so I’m really looking forward to Bradford this weekend.

“It’s the first game of the season and if you look at it, it’s a big game.

“You want to go as far as you can in the cup and face some big teams.”